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With push of a button, old hotel will crumble

Roads will be closed and charges will be set for the planned implosion early today of the former Adam's Mark Hotel.

By Times Staff Writer
Published October 8, 2005

CLEARWATER - Today's implosion of the former Adam's Mark Hotel is expected to take place about 7 a.m. To prepare, city officials will close roads and will ask an estimated 200 people to leave their residences, hotel rooms and businesses within 1,000 feet of the hotel.

Mayor Frank Hibbard is set to push the button (from 1,000 feet away) that will set off the explosions of about 85 linear-shape charges placed on four floors of the hotel. The charges will cut through support beams, and contractors expect that the building will be on the ground about 15 seconds later.

Gulfview Boulevard will be closed from Hamden Drive to Coronado Drive from about 4:30 a.m. until three to four hours after the explosion.

Hamden Drive and Coronado Drive will be closed from 6:30 to about 7:30 a.m.

The Coast Guard, Clearwater Fire-Rescue Marine Unit and the Sheriff's Office will keep boaters and swimmers at least 1,000 feet from shore.